The programme to prepare the existing rail network for Crossrail continues to make good progress, with work on the route’s surface section now more than one third complete.

In the coming months, major improvements will get underway at a number of stations in outer London which will be completely rebuilt or significantly improved, providing passengers with new, more spacious, brighter ticket halls, longer platforms and new lifts.

Major works to have been completed in recent months by Network Rail in outer London, Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire and Essex include:

The completion of the first section of the Stockley Flyover, a huge new rail bridge at the junction to Heathrow which will further increase capacity in this busy section of railway.

Further trackwork around the Acton Diveunder, a short tunnel beneath the railway that will ensure that trains leaving a nearby freight yard do not delay passenger trains into London. Work to the diveunder is now entering the final stages.

The implementation of a new, modern signalling system between Heathrow Junction and Reading which will improve reliability and support the future operation of Crossrail services on the Great Western Main Line.

The opening of a temporary station at Abbey Wood, while the existing station is demolished and a new one built. Network Rail has also started to lay more than one mile of track between Abbey Wood and Crossrail’s new tunnel portal at Plumstead.

The installation of a new turnback facility at Chadwell Heath, alongside track upgrades and work to the overhead power cables.

The start of work at Harold Wood, Brentwood and Shenfield stations.

Matthew White, Surface Director at Crossrail said: “Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people along the surface sections of the route – new trains, better stations and quicker journeys. A huge amount has already been done, but work will start to become much more visible in the months ahead as major station improvements get underway.”

Matthew Steele, Crossrail Programme Director at Network Rail said: “Around three quarters of the Crossrail route will run above ground on the existing rail network, so our upgrade works are essential to the successful delivery of the project. The work being carried out will improve reliability, increase capacity and bring significant improvements to stations right along the surface section of Crossrail.”

From 31 May 2015, Transport for London will begin operating the existing rolling stock between Shenfield and Liverpool Street. There will be staff at every station at all times that trains are running, better accessibility provision, full integration with TfL customer information channels and with TfL fares and ticketing, including cheaper journeys in many cases using Oyster or contactless pay as you go.

TfL will also put in place a phased programme of deep cleaning and painting the stations and introducing help points, gate lines and better lighting and customer information.

Ahead of the new Crossrail trains arriving on the Shenfield to Liverpool Street services in 2017, TfL will clean up the existing trains and refresh them inside and out.